Chula Vista

Chula Vista means “beautiful view” in Spanish and, indeed, the city lives up to its name. Located just seven miles from downtown San Diego and seven miles from the Mexican border, the city is at the center of one of the richest economic and culturally diverse zones in the United States.

With a population of 230,000, Chula Vista covers 50 square miles and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and mountains on the east.

As the second largest city in San Diego County, Chula Vista has quickly become a special destination for tourists. One of the nation’s few year-round U.S. Olympic Training centers is located here. Visitors can shop at the region’s newest lifestyle center, take in an outdoor concert at Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre, or make a splash at Knott’s Soak City USA. Chula Vista also offers top-notch golf courses, a scenic marina, the Chula Vista Nature Center, beautiful parks, and an endless variety of dining, shopping, business and leisure opportunities. Chula Vista has a little of everything!

4 Things to Consider when Moving to Chula Vista

Not only is Chula Vista a short distance from the attractions of San Diego, it boasts a variety of unique features of its very own. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and a scenic, majestic mountain range, the city is equipped with a robust housing market, employment opportunities, family attractions, and leisure activities.

The vibrant community of Chula Vista offers diverse possibilities that meet a variety of needs and preferences for individuals and families. Here are some things to look forward to as you plan your move to Chula Vista:

1. Thriving community

Chula is the second-largest city in San Diego County, and is home to approximately 250,000 people. The city is in the virtual center of one of the richest and most exciting cultural zones in the country. There are plenty of entertainment venues, an amazing nature center, many corporations and startups, and the country’s only warm-weather Olympic Training Center, which welcomes tours. With over 50 square miles of gorgeous coastal landscape, rolling hills, mountains and canyons and a wide range of natural resources, Chula Vista is one of the most sought-after cities in which to live.

2. The great outdoors

The name of the city means “beautiful view,” and Chula Vista certainly lives up to its name. There are hundreds of miles of trails around the coast and mountains that attract birdwatchers, runners, cyclists, hikers, and other nature-lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Take in those spectacular views at the city’s harbor and marina, which includes an RV park, several restaurant, two waterfront parks, and the Chula Vista Yacht Club. For those interested in seeing marine life up close, various whale-watching and sightseeing charters can be reserved in the Chula Vista Harbor

3. Exercise

For biking enthusiasts, the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition recommends the Bayshore Bikeway, a 24-mile route that includes 13 miles of car-free bicycle paths. The remaining 11 miles run through the streets of the area, all of which are designated as bicycle friendly, with bike lanes and routes clearly marked for safety. This popular trail system winds through Coronado, Imperial Beach and parts of San Diego and is used by thousands of residents and tourists each month. Bike rentals are available for those who don’t own their own set of wheels.

4. Shopping

Shopping in Chula Vista is a treat, as the city boasts two malls as well as a thriving downtown shopping district. The Otay Ranch Town Center is a favorite outdoor shopping destination among residents with more than 100 of the nation’s most recognizable shops and restaurants all in one convenient location.
The Otay Ranch Town Center features an open-air environment that is much more than just a shopping destination; visitors will find regularly scheduled special events, a play area for children, a library, a fireplace, and many outdoor cafes. A weekly farmer’s market with locally grown produce, held every Tuesday, is a major attraction, and the center has an adjacent 10,000 square foot dog park, open from 7 a.m. to 9 .m. daily, popular with two-legged and four-legged friends alike.
Another must-see shopping destination is Third Avenue Village, the historic downtown district of Chula Vista. This vibrant, pedestrian-friendly destination is usually packed with shoppers who browse through its unique shops and restaurants. The Third Avenue Village Association organizes regular special events including festivals, concerts, farmers markets and much more.

In addition to these examples, Chula Vista offers more than 60 well-maintained sports fields and parks, perfect for outdoor recreation, picnics, and relaxation. The Otay Valley Regional Park, created in a natural river valley, offers a number of nature trails perfect for hiking, biking, or horseback riding. The multi-jurisdictional park runs through the community and is one of Chula Vista’s gems. Visitors can take in spectacular views of the park at the Finney Interpretive Overlook, which includes benches and tables for picnics and relaxation as well as two small amphitheaters used for outdoor concerts and other special events.

One of the most popular attractions with residents of Chula Vista is the Living Coast Discovery Center, which sits on the 6-acre Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. This unique facility provides an interactive wildlife learning experience that helps promote public awareness of animals native to southern California as well as education on climate change and the significance of coastal wetlands. The Discovery Center is home to leopard sharks, moray eels, stingrays and more; their exhibits are a delight for people of all ages.

Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, is another attraction loved by families with children, offering more than 32 acres of splashing fun. Freshwater turtles and stunning flamingoes wander through the facility as well, making this a truly one of a kind water park experience not to be missed.

For music enthusiasts, few outdoor music venues compare to the Sleep Train Amphitheatre, an arts theater with reserved seating for nearly 10,000 guests and lawn seating for an additional 10,000. The Sleep Train Amphitheatre, which opened in 1998, has the distinction of being the area’s first major outdoor concert destination designed specifically for musical events. Concerts are held several times each week and cover a wide variety of musical tastes, from classic rock to country.

Chula Vista also offers plenty of opportunities for street skaters and competitive skateboarders to perform at Len Moore Skate Park. World-renowned skater Tony Hawk has even skated here! This safe, fun park features four distinct sections with rails, ramps and all the essentials for skaters to hone their craft. Beginners can take advantage of instructional sessions offered on a regular basis, and an on-site skateboard shop can provide you with everything you need to get started. For those who have never grabbed a skateboard and don’t intend to, watching others can be just as fun!

With its easy access to California’s amazing natural resources, its well-established neighborhoods and quality infrastructure, Chula Vista is easily recognized as one of the most desirable places to live. From its vibrant night life to its family attractions and gorgeous scenery, this city has something to offer just about anyone. If you found this information interesting and helpful, be sure to share it with your friends!